Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood, are low-fat and can reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Try them grilled, broiled, baked, or poached.
Salmon: Salmon is a great source of protein and fiber while also being low in cholesterol. Research has shown that foods high in fiber can help reduce the effects of acid reflux.
iStockphoto Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and has been hailed as a natural way to manage heart disease, depression, and countless other health conditions. However, it can also cause heartburn.
Limit or completely avoid consuming fatty and fried foods. These types of foods actually relax the esophageal sphincter and cause reflux. Choose instead lean cuts of meat, chicken, and fish.
Eggs are neither good nor bad for acid reflux. They won't help your symptoms but are not known to trigger symptoms either (However trigger foods can differ from person to person, so if eggs cause you problems I would limit your intake.)
A healthy eating guide for reflux
Breakfast - a bowl of high fibre cereal such as untoasted muesli, weetbix or porridge with fresh or tinned fruit and reduced fat or skim milk and/ or wholemeal or grain toast with minimal margarine and honey or vegemite.
A person with acid reflux should avoid foods containing refined grains, including white bread, as these products contain very little fiber. There are many different types of whole grain bread a person can choose from.
White fish is a great option (think Mahi Mahi, halibut, or tilapia), but other fish, like salmon or tuna, will also keep acid reflux low.
A healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil may help combat the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) according to a recent article in Webmd.com.
High fat foods
This may boost your risk of reflux symptoms. Common high fat offenders include deep fried foods like fish and chips, as well as fatty cuts of meat, in particular pork and lamb.
High acid food and drink
Foods that are considered acidic generally have a pH level of 4.6 or lower. Foods that tend to cause more acidity in the body and that you may want to limit or avoid include ( 4 ): certain dairy products, including cheese. fish and seafood.
Healthy fats — Fat is a necessary nutrient but eating too many fatty foods can trigger acid reflux. Replacing unhealthy fats with unsaturated fats can help. Avocados, olive oil, walnuts, and soy products are good choices for healthy fats.
Potatoes. All root vegetables, except onion, are good for heartburn.
Fish is a nutritious component in any diet but an excellent source of protein in a low-acid diet. Salmon, for example, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit the heart, joints, and eyes. It may also protect against certain kinds of cancer.
While whole eggs are relatively pH neutral, egg white is one of the few food products that is naturally alkaline, with an initial pH value that can be as low as 7.6 at time of lay, but with increasing alkalinity as the egg ages, and can reach pH of 9.2.
Saturated fats such as butter, cream and cheese, can be especially bad for acid reflux, so try to ensure that the fats you eat are healthier unsaturated ones, such as avocado or walnuts.
Salads are good news for those with chronic heartburn or GERD - if you have the right salad dressing and ingredients, that is. High-fat foods are a known trigger for acid reflux, so the National Heartburn Alliance recommends avoiding creamy salad dressings, as well as oil and vinegar.
Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation. It is easy to choose foods by looking them up to see how acidic they are.
Broth-based soups
If it's soup you fancy, opt for one that is made from broth instead of cream, which will aggravate reflux symptoms. Also, look out for tomato-based broths, as they also tend to aggravate heartburn. Chicken noodle soup is a good option.
FILLERS: try to stick to meats lower in fat, such as chicken, turkey, ham or roast beef. Buy meats that haven't gone through a lot of processing. For example, avoid smoked or cured meats, as these can often trigger heartburn; the meat is often spiced or glazed with honey or sugar. SPREADS: choose a low fat mayonnaise.
Replace Acidic Foods
Some people with heartburn can tolerate small amounts of ketchup, but it may be safer to use reduced-fat mayonnaise or mustard instead.
Best Foods for Acid Reflux
Chicken breast – Be sure to remove the fatty skin. Skip fried and instead choose baked, broiled or grilled. Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won't cause painful gas.
Beans are a heart-healthy food, and are also a good source of fiber. Try including beans into your acid reflux diet to see how they help.